{"product_id":"special-hobby-1-72-siai-marchetti-sf-260ea-d-eu-late-bulged-canopy-type-plastic-model-kit","title":"SPECIAL HOBBY 1\/72 SIAI-Marchetti SF-260EA\/D\/EU ' Late Bulged Canopy Type' Plastic Model Kit","description":"\u003ch2\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSPECIAL HOBBY 1\/72 SIAI-Marchetti SF-260EA\/D\/EU ‘Late Bulged Canopy Type’ Plastic Model Kit\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe SIAI-Marchetti SF-260 is a modern Italian low-wing training and aerobatic aircraft, designed for both basic flight instruction and advanced manoeuvre training. The prototype first flew in 1964, with series production commencing in the same year. Although production has continued with interruptions over several decades, the type has proven highly successful, with around 900 aircraft built for military and civilian operators worldwide.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eDesigned by Italian aircraft engineer Stelio Frati for Aviamilano, the SF-260 was soon taken over by SIAI-Marchetti following its successful introduction, and later became part of the Aermacchi organisation. From the outset, the aircraft demonstrated an excellent balance of performance, handling and cost-effectiveness, making it particularly well suited to military pilot training and aerobatic instruction. Its responsive controls and agile flight characteristics also made it a popular platform for display and advanced handling roles.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eOver the course of its long production life, the SF-260 has appeared in numerous variants, including the early SF-260A production model, the refined SF-260M with improved aerodynamics, the SF-260SW coastal patrol version, and the SF-260D featuring updated systems and revised powerplant installation. The SF-260 family has been widely exported and operated by a diverse range of air arms, including Belgium, Ethiopia, Indonesia, Mexico, Turkey and several African operators.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThis kit represents the later SF-260EA\/D\/EU variants with the distinctive bulged canopy configuration, capturing the modernised appearance of this long-serving and highly regarded training aircraft.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"SPECIAL HOBBY","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":46630148866209,"sku":"SH-72433","price":28.99,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1008\/9754\/files\/SH72433_1.jpg?v=1782885713","url":"https:\/\/www.hearnshobbies.com\/products\/special-hobby-1-72-siai-marchetti-sf-260ea-d-eu-late-bulged-canopy-type-plastic-model-kit","provider":"Hearns Hobbies","version":"1.0","type":"link"}